Chapter 2339 - ESM 8

Sander always considered himself a cautious person. It might be amusing that someone engaged in the criminal enterprise of smuggling thought this way, but at least he believed it. After witnessing others start haphazardly and getting caught, becoming'employees' of the entertainment district, he meticulously prepared for smuggling.

He had established connections with the Smuggling Animal Surveillance Team, and even had influence with the Port Security Team and, unbelievably, the Security Team of the Administrative Zone within the city. Among the criminals in this space city, there weren't many who moved as cautiously as him.

Of course, Sander was a practical person and didn't believe he could commit the perfect crime. He intended to make enough profit to emigrate to another planet before the surveillance network closed in on him.

However, he had no idea that an unknown entity would trample on his dreams with his goal almost in sight.

'Dammit!'

As Sander fled under the protection of a security guard, he cursed inwardly. He had turned off the cameras and asked the Port Security Team to change their patrol route. Consequently, there was no one around here, not even androids.

Of course, there were still functioning cameras, but he was afraid to run towards them. Just the fact that they had secretly infiltrated a place filled with logistics storage containers with several people in the dead of night was already enough to raise suspicions that they were involved in smuggling.

Sander was well aware that smuggling was a serious crime in MegaCorp. It was a real taboo. He could vividly picture the suffering "employees" in the entertainment district who were subjected to such crimes.

"I think we need to go to the police station."

"What? Going to the police means it's over for me!"

"But we can't handle our opponent. It's better to request protection for now."

"Well, that's… damn it!"

The security guard was right. Buying time was better than an immediate death. It seemed like it was time to see just how effective the credits Sander had been funneling to the Earth Security Team would be.

One security guard stayed behind to watch their rear while the other two stuck close to Sander, moving cautiously.

The police station was not far from the freight yard. They moved stealthily between the massive walls made of containers.

"Aaaargh!"

"!"

A scream came from behind. Sander turned to look, trembling, but there was no one there. Only the laser rifle the security guard had dropped remained.

"We'll run."

With tense expressions, the security guards grabbed Sander. They practically carried his half-bent body as they hurried.

In the distance, they saw a partly open metal gate within the chain-link fence surrounding the freight yard.

'Just have to cross that,' Sander thought with hope. But as they were about to do so, one of the security guards stopped.

"Wait!"

"Why?"

"I heard something."

At his words, Sander listened carefully, and he indeed heard some strange noise.

Whenever the crane moved a container, there was a sound that could be likened to a hammer striking at regular intervals, but much quieter.

"Once you get out there, it's the police station. Run!"

"What?"

"I said run right now!"

At the security guard's command, Sander sprinted. Behind him, both security guards held laser rifles and kept an eye on their surroundings.

Within a few minutes, the security guards' earpieces crackled with sound. The noise heightened Sander's fear several times over.

He ran like a madman, losing his shoes in the process, but he didn't notice. The metal gate was right in front of him now. As he reached for the partially open door, he felt a slight stinging sensation in his calf.

"Huh?"

Suddenly, his legs gave out, and he slammed his face into the chain-link fence. It should have hurt terribly; blood flowed so much that it should have been painful, but he couldn't feel any pain at all.

'What's going on?'

Only then did he realize that his body was completely paralyzed. Lying on the ground like a log, 'it' finally revealed itself.

Grrrrrr!

It drew closer to his face, drooling. Seeing the monster's dripping mouth, Sander involuntarily wet himself.

It briefly growled and then lifted Sander's body.

"What the… Where are you taking me?"

The place 'it' took Sander to was where they had first met, under the container crane. 'It' threw Sander to the ground.

'What… what's going on?'

Leaving Sander there, 'it' approached a refrigerated container. It was the container where the Outsider was kept frozen.

The guy standing in front of the container brought his head close to the terminal.

"What are you doing?" Sander asked, unsure. After a moment, the person operated the small device on their chest, easily opening the container door. With a thud, they entered the container.

An hour had passed since the person entered the container, and they still hadn't come out. Sander was becoming increasingly desperate.

"Please, can someone help me!" he shouted. He knew he needed to escape while the person inside was preoccupied, but his body refused to move.

He lay there, emitting an unpleasant odor, unable to do anything but wait.

***

'It smells.'

I brushed the shoulder stained with Broker S's discharged bodily fluids. I intended to intimidate, but I didn't expect him to be so frightened. I even deliberately stabbed gently to avoid shocking him too much.

'I shouldn't kill him just yet,' Broker S is an important figure. Even if I were to devour him, it must be at the right time.

'Before dealing with the Broker, I should handle this first.'

I was now inside the frozen container where the Outspacer is stored.

The container was packed with twenty cryogenic tubes.

Broker S was outside, and there were corpses scattered around. I needed to quickly consume the Outspacer and clean this place up.

I operated the terminal on the front cryogenic tube. As the cool air rushed out, the glass door opened.

Inside was a creature that looked like a cross between a crab and a camel spider.

About 80cm in size, with a body resembling a camel spider, and all eight legs were as long as the body, with two of the legs ending in large pincers. Its face had a long and pointed upper jaw, making it look like it was holding a sickle in its mouth.

'I thought it was a mutant, but it's not.'

The creature in the cryogenic tube was a type of insect. It wasn't listed, so I naturally thought it was a mutant.

'It's okay. It's just the same if it's not a queen.'

There shouldn't be any issues. I can acquire the desired traits from any type of Outspacer.

I tore the creature's head off and devoured it.

'It would be great if it wasn't so cold.'

The creature tasted like crab meat. To be precise, it felt like eating crab meat straight from the refrigerator without thawing it.

'Oh, should I call it crab stick flavor?'

Anyway, it had a taste that grew on me. Since the insects were less than 1 meter in size, it didn't take too long to finish eating them.

'The first one is a miss.'

With 19 left, I diligently consumed the remaining Outspacers.

'….'

When only 3 remained, I couldn't help but feel anxious.

'It's not showing up often enough.'

I knew that the probability of the predation effect wasn't high to begin with, but if it hadn't shown up by now, I might have to give up and consider other options.

'Should I just spare Broker S?'

He came here for smuggling. Smuggling was a serious crime in Megacorp, so even if I killed all of his bodyguards, he couldn't go anywhere to complain. Moreover, it would raise suspicion if he did.

'…But leaving a loose end would be a burden.'

On the research vessel, everything operated under the logic of convenience because it was essentially a ship. Predicting human relationships was relatively easy. But the city was different. I didn't know if the author had close relationships with anyone or possessed means to threaten me.

'I need to be prepared.'

In a way, I'm not sure how I've managed to survive smoothly up to this point. If it were a game, I should have died countless times in the situations I've faced.

'Obtaining the genetic essence from 20 creatures isn't an easy task either.'

Even though I ate more than 100 of the same creatures in the game, there were times when I couldn't obtain any genetic essence. Particularly when facing creatures like Gallagon or Vortex One, and the predatory effect didn't trigger, it was so challenging that I felt like giving up on the game.

'I've experienced situations like this in the game before.'

I assumed that nothing would come from the Outspacer, so I picked up one of the remaining three.

I had consumed the animal, but once again, the predation effect didn't trigger.

'….'

Now, there were only two left. I was on the verge of giving up.

'Should I just give the last one to Number 26?'

If I ate 18 out of 20 and nothing happened, I had to consider it impossible. I bit into one of the two remaining creatures' legs with a sense of resignation.

The crunchy texture and the juicy flesh inside pleased my palate, but my heart felt heavy.

When I had finished eating all the insects, a miracle happened.

[Predation effect activated! Successfully obtained 'Parasite' genetic essence from 'Outspacer Insect.']

[Extracted the 'Parasite' from the biological traits of 'Outspacer Insect.']

[Would you like to apply the 'Parasite'?]

'It's done!'

At last, when I got what I wanted, I couldn't help but cheer out loud.

Parasite.

Outspacers naturally carry various biological parasites in their bodies as a racial characteristic. Parasites are one of these pathogens and can infiltrate the host's body to control their movements.

'Of course, the Outspacer's parasite only limits the target's actions to some extent.'

In terms of lore, it was impressive, but in the game, the Outspacer's parasite was implemented as a debuff mechanic.

Those affected by the parasite effect experienced limitations on their abilities or equipment usage.

Actually, even just this feature is powerful enough, but getting the Parasite changes the game.

'When combined with the Contamination Organ, you can create an enhanced Parasite.'

As per the settings, it's possible to produce a Parasite that can control other creatures. The Contamination Organ disappears, and the physical traits change completely, but I currently have a total of 11 physical-related traits. Since the type acquisition condition is having 10 or more traits, losing the Contamination Organ won't affect my type.

Furthermore, the trait obtained by combining the Parasite and the Contamination Organ serves as the key to unlocking a new type.

The new types that open up are Infection Enhancement Types, related to physical abilities, Psychic Enhancement Types, and the newly unlocked type through the combined trait is the Infection Enhancement Type.

The Infection Enhancement Type affects debuff-related traits like crowd control devices. Its intuitive effects may be lower compared to other types, but it's very useful for someone like me who prefers a stealth-focused strategy.

Moreover, to evolve into a Quasi-Saint, I need to gather 4 types, so gathering one more is crucial.

Therefore, my choice is clear.

I immediately felt my body undergoing a mutation.

The lower right arm, which used to house the Contamination Organ, grew thicker and bulged as if something like eggs was inside. Inside the arm, newly formed parasites wriggled and waited for their owner's command.

['Parasite' trait has been applied.]

[Can be fused with the 'Contamination Organ' previously possessed.]

[Fusion of 'Parasite' and 'Contamination Organ' traits. Evolves into 'Parasitic Colony' trait!]

[Parasitic Colony: Allows the creation of enhanced parasites at the expense of losing the effect of the Contamination Organ. Up to 5 enhanced parasites can be operated.

*P.S.: I don't understand your love of this disgusting trait.]

[There are currently two types that can be characterized.]

[Psychic Enhancement Type (5/6), Infection Enhancement Type (1/4).]

'All right.'

Now that I've obtained the desired trait, it's time to test its effects.

After devouring the last remaining Outsider, I exited the container. S, who had been diligently poking at the ground, looked up at me with a terrified expression. His face, now pale and almost yellow, clearly showed the fear of someone who had just experienced horror. However, he hasn't truly experienced fear yet.

The real terror begins now.

As I activated the Parasitic Colony, my lower right arm started to squirm and bulge as if it were trying to expel something. From the hole in the palm of my hand, black, centipede-like creatures emerged.

"W-What are you trying to do? Please, stop!"

S, who mixed screams with sobs, began to cry as I approached. His formerly chubby face had become disfigured, possibly due to the mental shock he had experienced over the past few hours.

My hand got close to his swollen, half-faced visage.

***

"…Then, I'll go."

Broker S, or rather, Sander, lowered his head and left. The Parasite transplant was successful. Now, Sander is mine.

'Still, it's limited to 24 hours.'

Once 24 hours pass, the Parasite will automatically die, and so will Sander. This is because the Parasite has taken control of his brain.

Before the Parasite dies, I have to replace it to keep Sander alive. Sander knows this fact. Without me, he will also die.

'He's a smart person, so he won't easily resist me.'

He might try to go to a hospital for an extraction, but his thoughts are known to the Parasite. If he ever entertains malicious intentions, the Parasite will secrete a substance into his brain causing excruciating pain.

'It's going to be incredibly painful.'

Sander has already experienced how excruciating that pain can be. He's unlikely to resist me too much.

Moreover, I showed Sander how I dispose of corpses right in front of him. Being a smart person, he probably knows my intentions.

'Well, let's head back now.'

I took the lead with the bodyguards and returned home.

Upon arriving home, Number 26, who had woken up from its sleep, was waiting for me.

｢Where did you go?｣

[ZZZ ZZZZZZZZ ZZZ ZZ(I thought you might be hungry)]

｢Wow!｣

It's a learning Amoeba. As soon as I held out the food, he calmed down. As we shared a meal, I took out the neighbor's man's ankle from the refrigerator.

As we enjoyed our late-night snack, the night faded away.

-x-X-x-

Global Security Team.

T&C, the top security organization within the T&C Special Trade Center, oversees not only the police stations in each district but also the crisis management teams stationed in administrative districts.

While it's not typically a bustling place, it felt very busy, perhaps because the assembly is just around the corner.

"What happened to the StarUnion terrorists? When will the interrogation reports be released?"

"Who handled Eden's fleet deployment request? Is this how you submit reports?"

"All Entertainment District Security teams, assemble in conference room 5!"

Documents scattered everywhere, and security personnel in uniforms hurriedly moved around.

In the midst of the chaotic atmosphere, the only quiet place was conference room 4.

The detective team under the Port District Security Team had been planning to apprehend the criminals they had been tracking for a while, leading up to the assembly. This was because Chief Administrator Laila Chamberlain had made it clear to the Global Security Team that all potential threats must be eliminated.

"What happened to Broker S?"

"After the assembly announcement, smuggling was halted, but suddenly, this month, the numbers have surged. We've confirmed six smuggling operations in the past week. In fact, it can be considered almost daily smuggling."

"At this point, sudden increased activity? That's strange."

Detective team leader William raised an eyebrow at his team's briefing.

Broker S had been their target for the past six months. The evidence had already been secured, but they had failed to apprehend him due to the interference from individuals who owed him a considerable amount of credits. After the failure, they had been monitoring him closely, and now, with the assembly approaching, they had a chance to arrest him officially. Even corrupt officials, as Noble Capital and rulers of the space city, couldn't defy the direct orders from above.

"Has there been any change in the smuggling methods?"

"That part is also peculiar. He mainly handled interplanetary smuggling, but the recent six incidents all targeted individuals within the city."

"Could it be due to stricter surveillance at this time?"

"No, city transactions aren't very profitable. Broker S is a cautious individual. Would someone who maximizes profits from minimal transactions do something like this?"

They had a chance to make an arrest, but the fact that their target was coming out so sloppily made William uneasy.

"Will we be able to identify the trading partner? Who is it?"

"It's someone we haven't dealt with before, a newcomer named New Face."

"New Face?"

"We discovered him three days ago. He's a man who walks around in his pajamas, quite a ghostly character. Surprisingly, he never gets caught on camera."

"We're not sure if he's from the Space Dogs, but he seems like someone with professional training. We've tried to tail him several times, but he slipped away every time."

Dealing with Broker S alone was already a headache, but with the appearance of this formidable new criminal, William sighed.

Considering the deals Broker S had been involved in, it wasn't entirely unusual for the Space Dogs to take an interest in him. With S's skills, he could practically turn money into a miracle.

However, William wasn't so sure.

"Why now, of all times? This doesn't seem like S."

There was undoubtedly a reason behind the usually cautious Broker S acting so recklessly. After organizing his thoughts, William gave instructions to his team.

"The ones who followed the pajama guy, compile a report and request the surveillance team for analysis. Get in touch with the Port District to find out when he arrived. Keep an eye on Broker S as well. Just in case, he might try to contact the Space Dogs separately."

"Got it!"

"Meeting adjourned."

After the meeting ended, the team members left, but William remained seated, deep in thought. With one arm on the table, he picked up his communication device.

'Using a friend might raise suspicions, but…'

The friend he was considering had been a former colleague in the same unit and had retired to work as a bodyguard. William knew exactly whom he was protecting.

'He's guarding Broker S.'

William left a message for his friend.

***

'10:55. He should be arriving soon.'

I'm waiting with Number 26 for Sander.

Our location is near the boundary between the Commercial Zone and the Port District. Unlike the Entertainment Zone, there are hardly any people out here after 9 PM since all the stores close.

'It's also close to the secret passage.'

While there are cameras here, it's much easier to move around compared to the heavily monitored loading area.

'That's not the only reason I moved here.'

The reason for the change in location was due to the surveillance.

Three days ago, I met Sander near the cranes at the docks, disguised as the guy from the adjacent house. That day ended without any issues, but I sensed that the surveillance was watching us from a distance.

Sander is under my control, making resistance impossible. The identity of the watchers was the police who had been chasing Sander all along. Getting caught by them would cause problems for me as well, so I changed the location and time.

We're to meet near the boundary of the commercial and harbor districts at 11 PM.

Sander expressed his displeasure about me changing the location, but it was futile. The only thing he can do is obey me.

'There he is.'

The black refrigerated truck Sander mentioned was heading towards our meeting spot.

The truck stopped, and Sander got out, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

It had been a week since he handed over the confiscated animals.

His face had changed beyond recognition. He had lost almost two-thirds of his body weight, looking so emaciated that it was hard to believe.

The cause of Sander's transformation was the parasite attached to his brain.

When implanting parasites in other organisms, you can specify the level of constraint, i.e., how much the host will be restricted. Level 1 is the weakest constraint, and Level 5 is the highest.

The parasite inside Sander is at level 4. This level signifies that the parasite will immediately restrain him if the host shows even a hint of resistance.

Because of this command, he will be tormented by the parasite while eating, while going to sleep, and even while working.

Obey me. Do not resist my will.

'Even in the game, if you get infected by a parasite, a message pops up.'

I had learned this by watching videos uploaded by players who had fallen victim to parasites. When infected, a message appears every time you perform a certain action. It's not a big deal on its own, but each message causes a certain amount of health loss. Therefore, if players couldn't get rid of the parasite using other equipment or abilities, they often ended up committing suicide. Suicide removes the parasite's effect as well.

"Here, in reality, suicide is not possible."

There's no way out except enduring the pain.

I emerged from an alley near the meeting place, revealing myself to Sander. Although I had seen him several times, he still appeared uncomfortable and swallowed hard when he looked at me. However, he soon knelt before me, bowing his head.

"…I brought the item you mentioned, so please…"

I might be frightening, but the parasite inside his head is probably even scarier. In 24 hours, he'll lose his mind along with the parasite.

'There's still some time left.'

I placed my hand close to his head and activated the parasitic colony.

"Sssss…."

Then Sander's eyes rolled back, and his mouth opened wide. Subsequently, the parasite emerged from his nostrils. The parasite that came out wriggled once and died on the spot.

'Good job.'

In place of the deceased parasite, a new one emerged from my palm. It entered Sander's body in the same manner as its predecessor.

"Cough, cough!"

After a while, Sander, who had regained his composure, coughed forcefully. He seemed to shudder as he looked at the parasite spread out on his knee.

I stared at the trembling Sander for a moment, and then he cleared his throat and handed me a document.

"…Ahem, it's a list of organisms."

To examine the list more closely, I received the document that Sander, with his combat arm, provided.

"…."

Sander shivered as my unseen arm took the document.

[ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ (Am I that scary?)]

｢The big baby is cute.｣

[ZZZZ ZZZZ (Thanks)]

｢Yeah.｣

I patted Number 26 on my shoulder, expressing my gratitude, and handed over the document.

'Today, it's Plentrezad and Fairy Wing, right?'

Plentrezad resembles a Stegosaurus in appearance but is classified as a plant-based organism rather than an actual dinosaur. It also possesses the unique trait of robust vitality, which is my second acquired trait.

'Five Plentrezads. It's not a lot.'

Plentrezads are large creatures, so it's not easy to transport many of them by truck. The truck's capacity is probably limited to about eight of them.

'Next is a Fairy Wing.'

Fairy Wings are typically carnivorous birds about the size of a human palm. They lack eyes and resemble blue crows with hooked beaks. They are also known as 'flying piranhas.'

'Huh? A mutant?'

A mutant Fairy Wing. It's a creature I've never encountered in the game. It piqued my interest, but unfortunately, there was only one of them. If there were more, I might consider targeting their genetic material, but with just one, it's challenging.

After reviewing all the documents, I pointed to the truck with my fingertips, and he quickly took out a handheld device.

"Here, I'll open it for you."

When he operated the wireless terminal connected to the truck, the cargo compartment opened with a mechanical sound.

｢It's chilly in here.｣

[ZZZ ZZZZZ ZZ ZZZZZZZ Z(Do you want to stay here?)]

｢No, I'm good. I was just thinking about my hometown.｣

Since Sea Demons inhabit the deep sea, this level of cold might not bother them at all. Sander shivered, possibly from the cold within the cargo compartment or from fear, and stepped back.

"Th-then, I'll wait here."

I left him behind and entered the truck's cargo compartment. Inside, made of alloy, five Plentrezads lay anesthetized. I lightly bent the steel bars and placed my foot inside the cargo compartment.

"Oh, I guess I don't need to open it."

Sander began to speak to me belatedly but stopped when he saw my imposing presence.

'Should I kill them first before eating them?'

I proceeded to break the necks of the Plentrezads one by one. During the process, one of them, still not fully anesthetized, attacked me with its sharp, thorn-covered tail, but it couldn't pierce my exterior. It met its end as my combat arm crushed its head.

Having cut off their lifelines, I tasted the flesh of these large plant-like creatures.

'It tastes like getting healthier.'

Although in the settings, Eymorph is an omnivore, it seems to lean more towards carnivorous eating habits. The Plentrezads' meat had a somewhat grassy taste, which wasn't to my liking.

｢Is it tasty?｣

[ZZ (No)]

"Big baby needs to grow bigger, so eat it all."

Number 26 is right. I have to evolve further, so I should eat everything like this. I forced myself to eat everything, but it didn't trigger the predation effect in these creatures.

'Well, it's a pity, but I'll have to wait for the next one.'

When I looked at the list left by the cyborg Ras last time, there were a total of 30 Plentrezads. There are 25 left, so I hope to find something among them.

'I'll have a mutant Fairy Wing as a snack.'

Since it's a bird, I expect it might taste like chicken. With that in mind, I opened the freezer. However, I was taken aback when I checked the freezer's contents.

｢Why? What's wrong?｣

Number 26 asked from the side, but I couldn't respond.

With blue skin and a body resembling reptiles, small wings on its back, and horns on its head, not a mouth but long clusters of tentacles.

'It's a Gallagon, isn't it?'

What was in the freezer was not a Fairy Wing; It was the hatchling of the Gallagon, known as the space dragon, the Blue Gallagon.

-x-X-x-

In the world of Space Survival, there are over a thousand non-playable species, based on what's known.

While there are over a few hundred planets that players can explore, it may seem relatively small compared to other online games, but it can be considered relatively large.

The in-game species have unique behaviors that correspond to their respective habitats. They are designed to reflect the traits of wild animals living in similar ecosystems, giving them a lifelike feel.

For intelligent NPC species, players who enjoy the game can experience a high level of realism based on specific cultural motifs.

However, Space Survival is still a game, so not everything is entirely realistic, and exceptions exist.

For instance, the Gallagon.

Inspired by the dragons of mythology, Gallagon exhibits quite different behaviors in many aspects compared to regular creatures.

Actions like collecting various treasures and artifacts in their nests or using powerful psychic powers to destroy cities near their nests are far from the instincts of ordinary animals.

One of these Gallagon's unique characteristics is their intense affection for their offspring and their kind.

Gallagon prefers to live in groups, much like lions.

A Gallagon group typically includes one male and seven to eight females, with the weakest presence, the Blue Gallagon, receiving protection from the entire group.

In the game, this setting is implemented as the Blue Gallagon's unique ability: summoning its kin.

In the lore, Gallagons are connected through their unique psychic powers, allowing them to call each other even if they are far apart. In the game, this connection is represented as a summoning technique, allowing the Blue Gallagon to summon its group members at will.

As a result, the Blue Gallagon itself is quite weak, but due to its association with other Gallagons, it becomes a challenging prey.

High-level players might find it easy to capture a Blue Gallagon that is hard to find, but the kin summoned by the Blue Gallagon are not considered real creatures but rather summons, so players cannot obtain items or attributes from them.

'To be honest, it's because of that, I tend to catch more of the Green Gallagons or White Gallagons than the Blue Gallagons.'

In Amorph's terms, the summoning trait disappears from the Green Gallagon and above, corresponding to the metamorph category. Of course, that doesn't make them easy opponents by any means, but compared to fighting other Gallagon groups, it's much better.

Anyway, according to the in-game settings, I am currently in a very serious danger. The creature in front of me definitely looks like a Blue Gallagon.

'But it's quite small, isn't it?'

Even though Blue Gallagons are not small, they are more than 2 meters, but this one is barely over 50 cm, a size that could be mistaken for a Fairy Wing if you don't know the Gallagon species.

'I wonder how it got caught?'

If I were ordered to capture a Blue Gallagon and bring it back alive, it would be an impossible task for me.

'…There's something I don't know.'

A Blue Gallagon is not a creature you can easily smuggle, even for a common criminal.

Unless it's a higher cartel of Space Thieves or a power beyond MegaCorp's Prime Capital that helps.

'Someone is trying to destroy the Special Trade Hub.'

For a Gallagon group, it's not difficult to destroy this place, the T&C Special Trade Hub.

If it were a fortress-like space station with multiple fleets stationed, it could be defended, but this place doesn't have particularly strong military power. There is a defense fleet, but it's not capable of stopping the enraged Gallagons.

I called Sanders to understand what's going on.

"…Yes, did you call, sir?"

"Do you know what this creature is?"

"Isn't it a Fairy Wing?"

When I asked in the neighbor's voice, Sanders seemed clueless about what's wrong.

'Gallagons are rare creatures, so he might not know.'

In the game, players who directly encounter each other are a small minority, and lower-tier users often come across screenshots and videos posted in the community.

Most people here probably have no idea about the existence of Gallagons.

"Who's the one who smuggled this creature?"

"Oh, as far as I remember, it was Jade? A person named Jade Russell."

"Russell?"

"Yes, he was imprisoned in the juvenile detention center and escaped not long ago."

Russell.

The last name sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.

'Oh, Arnold Russell.'

He was the steward of Si-hyun Yujin and served as the Crisis Management officer on Samuel's research ship.

Si-hyun Yujin, who fought me, possessed the claw trait of White Gallagon due to a gene transplant.

Since she couldn't have raised Gallagons herself, her faction must know the locations of Gallagon habitats and nests.

If that's the case, it wouldn't be too difficult for her subordinates to sneak Gallagons in.

That means a noble capital, the Yujin family, planned to attack the city of the T&C family, which belongs to the same social class.

"I've seen a similar scene somewhere before."

I've encountered similar situations in the game many times. It's the event that MegaCorp players look forward to the most.

'Civil War.'

By the game's design, MegaCorp is governed by seven dominant families. The five families under Noble Capital and the two families under Prime Capital compete to become the sole rulers, sometimes leading to violent conflicts.

"Is there a festival in this city?"

"Yes? Are you talking about the Council…?"

"The Council?"

"Yes, it's scheduled for the Prime Capital directors to gather to decide the next MegaCorp CEO. There are 23 days left until the Council is held, starting from today."

As I listened to Sander, I started to understand. The highest leader of MegaCorp is determined through an election. If the five families under Noble Capital nominate candidates, the directors of the two families under Prime Capital vote for the CEO. In the game, MegaCorp players strive to gain power in their factions to secure the CEO position when their family is nominated.

'Or perhaps they might want to manipulate things to prevent the other candidate from becoming CEO.'

It's one thing to do that in the game, but in reality, it's a different story.

Si-hyun Yujin probably ordered her subordinates to smuggle the Gallagons ahead of the council announcement. Afterward, they planned to kill the Gallagons in line with the council's schedule.

As T&C is currently a competitor to the Yujin family, her actions aren't entirely incomprehensible.

'Anyway, she's already dead.'

There were 23 days left until the council. Jade, who is supposedly missing, is likely hiding somewhere in the city, planning to kill the Blue Gallagon on the day of the council.

His owner is already dead, but the execution of the plan is still uncertain.

'What should I do?'

Releasing the Gallagon now isn't ideal, but eating it isn't a good solution either. Gallagon's traits are highly desirable, but the timing is crucial. If it weren't for the council, I would have eaten it and fled to another planet immediately.

While contemplating, the frozen Blue Gallagon's tail suddenly twitched.

｢Hey, Baby, it's moving.｣

[ZZZ ZZZZZZ Z (I saw it too).]

I hurriedly tried to close the freezer, but the Gallagon opened its eyes.

'Ah.'

The violet, shining eyes scanned the surroundings before coming to a halt on my face. Then, the little creature started trembling.

'Oh no.'

I quickly picked up Number 26 and held it in my hands.

[Fear.]

Despite its young age, the Gallagon's powerful psychic wave passed through my body. Thanks to my psychic resistance, I wasn't harmed by the psychic wave. Number 26, under my protection, also didn't experience any significant shock.

"Uh, uh, ugh…"

Unfortunately, Sander, who had no protector, couldn't withstand the Gallagon's psychic attack. He trembled as if electrocuted and then fell unconscious.

[ZZZ Z(Stay calm.)]

｢Black｣, ｢darkness｣, ｢fear｣, ｢death｣.

[ZZZ ZZZZ (Not harmful.)]

The creature halted its psychic attack at my words. It wasn't a lie. I couldn't kill it right now. If I planned to capture and consume it, I'd need to wait for an opportunity to escape this city first.

｢You｣, ｢adult｣, ｢trust｣, ｢calm｣.

In a way unrelated to my inner thoughts, it seemed like the creature had placed its trust in me. The Gallagon's psychic waves had changed from the electric guitar-like sounds they were a while ago to gentle, calm ripples.

'An adult?'

In the game, Gallagons communicate exclusively through psychic waves, so they convey words or concepts to communicate. Based on the words it used, it seemed to consider me the adult of the group.

'Is it because of this?'

I pondered the 'monster's tentacle' extending from the back of my head. While the location was different, it looked just like the White Gallagon's tentacles in terms of appearance.

'Come to think of it, is it because of the monster's tentacle that we can communicate?'

In the game, Gallagons sometimes speak to players, but the reverse, where players speak and Gallagons understand, isn't possible. It seemed like the tentacle granted me the ability to communicate with it.

'Anyway, this little one seems to think of me as a White Gallagon.'

For now, I decided to take advantage of its misconception. I questioned the creature, which now appeared more stable.

[ZZZ ZZZZZZZZ ZZZ Z (Why did you come here?)]

｢I｣, ｢Mutant｣, ｢Hometown｣, ｢Exile｣.

The creature unexpectedly responded.

'Exiled because of being a mutant?'

As far as I know, among the Gallagons, there are variations, but they are slightly different from mutations that occur among regular organisms.

Variations were Gallagons that excessively consumed psychic powers and transformed into grotesque monsters, leading to their rejection by their own kind. You could think of them as fallen dragons, like those commonly seen in myths and other media.

'But it doesn't seem like a variation.'

If it were a Blue Gallagon, being a child, there would be no reason to excessively consume psychic powers. Given its much smaller size compared to its kin, it seemed like it had been exiled due to a mutation, as it claimed.

'It seems like Si-hyun's subordinate was up to some mischief. If this creature has been exiled from its homeland, their plan is effectively null and void.'

'Wait, does that mean I can eat it without a problem?'

The ability to call its kin was probably still present, but if it didn't come when called, there was no need for me to capture and consume it.

The creature sensed the change in my demeanor and quickly transmitted its psychic thoughts.

｢I｣, ｢Survival｣, ｢You｣, ｢Promise｣, ｢In return｣, ｢Treasure｣

[ZZ ZZZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZZZZ Z ZZ ZZ (If I spare you, you'll give me a treasure as a reward?)]

To Amorph, genetic essence and relic equipment are the most important treasure. When I showed disinterest, it spoke again.

｢I｣, ｢Memory｣, ｢Dragon's Nest｣, ｢You｣, ｢Guidance｣, ｢Possible｣.

In response to that, I lowered the tail that had been poised to strike.

'It claims to know about a dragon's nest?'

I didn't need a treasure, but a dragon's nest was a different matter. Ever since I became a Pre-Saint, it was a must to capture Gallagons. It was both a condition for evolving into a Quasi-Saint and to obtain rare traits. Dragon's nests were the optimal locations for Gallagon gene farming, as they were the habitats of Gallagon communities.

'Information about a dragon's nest is premium knowledge.'

I pondered over the two potential rewards. Now that the risk of summoning kin had dissipated, there wasn't much harm in eating the creature. Given my current situation where I lacked psychic-related traits, consuming it wasn't necessarily a bad idea.

'Of course, there's no guarantee that the predation effect will trigger.'

Conversely, if I didn't eat it and kept it with me, I could gain information about the dragon's nest. I wasn't sure how it knew about the nest, but Gallagons were known not to lie.

'In other words, the creature's words are true.'

The creature seemed to leave the choice to me and waited quietly. It showed no signs of resistance or alternative thoughts.

'Kill it or spare it?'

My tail swayed back and forth, mirroring my conflicting feelings. After several minutes of contemplation, I made a decision.

-x-X-x-

X-01.

In a garden lush with foliage, Si-hyun Yujin was seated. She gazed blankly at a small bird perched on a tree, chirping away. Suddenly, attendants emerged from somewhere, pulling a cart filled with food.

"Miss, it's mealtime," said the butler.

Si-hyun turned her head at his words. The hologram of the garden vanished, replaced by a pristine laboratory that resembled pure white snow.

The attendants set up a makeshift dining table and placed dishes of food on it one by one. The butler introduced the food with a courteous demeanor.

"The main dish is roasted duck with maple sauce."

In the Star Union, the ownership of personal property and luxuries was prohibited. The Cybernetic Council had decreed that all cyborg citizens could only consume prescribed food and nutrients.

Because of this, even in the capital city, it was difficult to obtain any ingredients that deviated from the ordinary.

Si-hyun looked down at the food on her plate with an indifferent gaze as if obtaining such hard-to-come-by food in X-01 was as challenging as catching stars from the sky.

"Miss?"

"…"

"Miss, this is one of your favorite dishes."

She knew it too. She recalled how much she longed for this dish when infiltrating the Space Dogs.

'Yes. It's a dish Si-hyun Yujin likes.'

As if reading her mind, the housekeeper's voice became stern.

"Miss requested that we replicate all of her habits, clothing, and even her favorite food, and match everything perfectly. Miss mentioned it was necessary due to the side effects of clone technology."

In an era where humanity could travel at near-light speeds, there were still uncharted territories. One of them was the production of cloned humans.

Even for the Yujin family, which had advanced genetic science to the extreme, the forbidden act of manufacturing cloned humans was no easy feat. Creating a duplicate that was physically identical was achievable, but making one that thought and acted the same way was an entirely different challenge.

Moreover, transferring the memories of the original to the cloned human to make them behave exactly the same way was considered an endeavor beyond science. Si-hyun Yujin had found a solution that relied on something beyond the realm of science.

She had learned a method from a cult leader to use psychic powers to transfer memories and souls.

This peculiar individual, who referred to themselves as the Veil instead of their true name, had taken on the request of Si-hyun's father, Jung-Woo Yujin, and taught her many things.

He was knowledgeable not only in combat techniques but also in various types of equipment and even the genetic varieties and applications of various organisms. His teachings included methods for protecting and transferring memories and souls using psychic powers.

Thanks to his guidance, she could even maintain her sanity when forced to become a shadow by external forces. She picked up a garlic clove fried in duck fat with her fork and put it in her mouth. The slightly sweet and crispy taste stimulated her taste buds, but she couldn't feel any enjoyment.

'This isn't my pleasure.'

The technology to transfer the soul was clearly successful. All the memories she had until her death were perfectly transmitted to the clone's body.

'But why am I having these thoughts?'

Veil hadn't told her about such side effects. He talked as if it were an easy, straightforward process that anyone could do. Of course, Si-hyun wasn't naive, so she anticipated that simply transferring the soul with psychic power wouldn't be the end of it.

Given the right conditions, this technology could essentially make a person immortal, so she was certain that there must be some unknown side effects.

So, she utilized the precise engineering technology of the StarUnion to create a machine that would readjust the clone's brain to match her soul and memories. Thanks to this, she was nearly indistinguishable from the original now. The only significant difference was that the genetic modification wasn't quite complete.

Furthermore, she had provided detailed instructions to her subordinates on how to manage the clones and how to handle the transplanted clone souls. She had made thorough preparations to be able to respond perfectly to any potential side effects. However, she couldn't have imagined that she would feel this uncomfortable in her own body. Even during meals, the thought that she was consuming something Si-hyun Yujin liked didn't leave her mind.

'Damn it.'

After forcing herself to finish the meal, she received a report from her subordinates.

"The council will convene in a short while, right?"

"Yes. According to intelligence, Akira Yujin is also planning to visit the T&C Special Trade Center in the tourist district."

"Tourist district? That old man even enjoys jokes now."

She muttered coldly and then fell into thought.

Akira is a gentleman who cherishes his life to the point of paranoia, but he's not a coward. He's unlikely to remain hidden on Earth during the Council, a massive event.

'Akira moves with more than one shadow every time.'

He may not know, but Si-hyun saw through the weaknesses of the shadows. Even the weaknesses of Code Black, stronger than her. Even in her extremely weakened state, she was confident that she could defeat at least one shadow with a lower code than hers.

"What about the Gallagon transport disguised as a FairyWing?"

"According to Jade's report, it's still in the city."

"If there are shadows even while Gallagon is attacking, that old man will try to escape one way or another."

"The likelihood of that is high."

The original plan was for her to personally eliminate Akira's escorts and then escape, leaving the rest to the enraged Gallagon. With rival companies, Noble Capital and Prime Capital, unlikely to protect Akira, once his guards disappeared, he was as good as dead.

'The old man doesn't know if I'm still alive.'

No matter how formidable the Code Black was, he wouldn't think that a clone of a deceased person was planning to kill him.

By exploiting this, even in her weakened state, she had a good chance.

'By using this to her advantage, even in her drastically weakened state, she had a fair chance.'

It's an opportunity to eliminate many nobles of Prime Capital, including Laila Chemblin. Given her physical condition, it's a task she can't postpone or delegate to others.

"How will you proceed?"

"The plan remains the same. Inform Jade that there are no changes."

"Understood, Miss."

She dismissed her subordinate and clenched her fist.

"That bastard…!"

All the pain, confusion, and turmoil she was going through were all because of that guy.

She vowed to turn the monster who killed her into minced meat.

***

Two days had passed since Sander offered me a mutant Gallagon but I didn't kill it.

'Getting the nest is a better reward.'

Eating Gallagon's flesh is quite a gamble. If luck is on your side, you might gain powerful traits, but if not, it's all over.

On the other hand, making a deal with the creature meant getting nothing immediately, but evolving to the next stage would be much easier.

'Finding Gallagon's nest is incredibly difficult.'

Thinking back to the struggles of searching for Gallagon's nest during the game, knowing its location was an advantage.

Of course, the creature had to stay alive until then.

｢Big baby, look!｣

Number 26, perched on my shoulder, spoke to me as I was lost in thought.

Today, I handed over one of the prey Sander received to Number 26. I did this to help Number 26h grow.

I mainly passed on creatures that had undesirable traits or a low population, making it difficult to expect a predatory effect.

Coincidentally, I wondered if Number 26 had met all the growth conditions, as it had grown another tentacle. Thanks to this, it now had three tentacles.

｢Big baby, I've got a new arm.｣

[ZZZZ (Indeed)]

Number 26 seemed quite pleased with its growth from the food I provided, and it continued to proudly show off its tentacles. Whenever the slender tentacles waved in the air, they emitted violet, semi-transparent energy that lit up the surroundings before vanishing.

'It has definitely gotten stronger than before.'

I couldn't precisely gauge 26ho's level of growth, but the fact that I could easily observe its increasing strength visually was undoubtedly a good thing.

｢Me｣, ｢Food｣, ｢Thanks｣.

[ZZZZ ZZZZ (It wasn't me who provided it)]

｢Young adult｣, ｢Thanks｣.

The Gallagon perched on top of my head, and Adhai expressed gratitude to Number 26, the one who had provided the food.

The Gallagon introduced itself as a member of the Odd Pack and asked me the name of my pack. However, I didn't belong to any particular pack. The Gallagon had pledged to serve me, an adult, and since I didn't belong to a pack, its name automatically became "Adhai" without the pack's name.

｢We also have to protect the little one.｣

On my shoulder, Number 26 glowed and expressed joy along with ripples. The sight resembled a child puffing up their chest, and I couldn't help but pat Adhai and Number 26 without realizing it.

'In the game, there was nothing like this.'

It was a fascinating and intriguing change. The Outsider race, the Emoph, who survived, hunted, and evolved on their own, now had two companion creatures.

What's more, the creatures I was with were Gallagons and Sea Demons, which couldn't be tamed in the game. When I first arrived in this world, I had three main goals: survival, hunting, and evolution. Achieving ascension was also part of the plan. These goals remain unchanged to this day. However, the path to reaching them has deviated significantly from what I initially imagined.

'Perhaps I'm changing along with this world?'

So far, the most common food I've consumed is humans. Their genes could be having an impact on me. Humans are social animals. They don't survive independently; they form groups.

Among animals, there are species that mimic the appearance of their predators as a survival strategy. Maybe I'm evolving to adapt to the humans I've been interacting with.

From an independent Amorph surviving on its own to a predator that forms a society to hunt, that's the idea.

While pondering such thoughts, I quickly approached the residential area.

I slipped out of the secret passage and made my way through the surveillance network to enter the building. As I tried to climb the apartment building's exterior wall, a stranger's presence registered on my auxiliary systems.

'Hmm?'

A man was standing in front of the neighboring apartment. His rough appearance and the tattoos on both arms didn't make him look like an ordinary civilian. He seemed more like someone involved in less legal activities.

He appeared to be waiting for someone, tapping his foot impatiently against the corridor wall. I couldn't identify him as a policeman, and I was curious about who he might be.

I signaled Number 26 and Adhai to stay hidden momentarily and activated my disguise mechanism. I strolled down the corridor in the guise of the man from the neighboring apartment. He glanced at me.

"When the hell are you coming?"

He grumbled, apparently unaware that I was not who I appeared to be. I wondered if the landlord knew what his tenant looked like.

'Should I ask him?'

Pretending to enter Las's apartment, I decided to strike up a conversation with him.

"What's the matter?"

"I don't know, just go in and get some sleep."

"Do you have business with my neighbor?"

He glanced at me with an irritated expression and then sighed.

"Do you know this guy?"

"Yes."

"Damn it, do you know this guy's been fooling around with my girlfriend?"

"I see."

"I've been in a lot of relationships, so I've put a little tracker on her communication device. She hasn't been in touch for a week, and when I checked, it said she was in this house."

He said this while showing me the screen of his communication device. It displayed an internet map. The map, simplified to the residential zone, had a red mark pinpointing this very location.

"Take a look now. It's clear that someone is inside, but they're pretending not to be."

"I see."

This was completely unexpected. I never would have guessed that Lloyd had a boyfriend. Given his proclivities for indulgent entertainment with Las, I never thought he'd have a separate lover.

'No, maybe it's for the best?'

I pretended to ponder while secretly scanning the entire apartment complex with my auxiliary systems. I couldn't detect any signs of police or android presence nearby.

The man's actions were undoubtedly suspicious. Not reporting his girlfriend's disappearance to the police and coming to investigate alone made it clear that he was likely involved in something illegal.

"Hmm. Perhaps she went out to buy something."

"I've been waiting for ages."

"Don't worry, why don't you wait at our place for a while? She'll be back soon."

He glanced at me, inspecting my appearance. When his gaze reached my face, he flinched slightly but soon nodded.

"…It probably doesn't matter."

My artificially generated physique, crafted by the disguise mechanism, was more petite than the man's. Although my face might look unusual, I believed it was sufficient to handle any potential issues.

As I opened the door, the man entered without any further suspicion. I hid on the other side of the corridor, peering out just enough to signal 26ho and Adhai with a flick of my finger.

"What the hell, clean up this place."

"I'm sorry."

"And you, what's with that god-awful smell…"

As the man turned his head toward me, his expression hardened abruptly. Before he knew it, Number 26 and Adhai were blocking the doorway.

"Didn't you ever hear when you were young not to follow strangers?"

"Uh, um…"

I closed the door.

-x-X-x-

The Harbor Zone Security Team, under the command of Detective William, has now arrived in the residential zone. Despite sending messages, his friend has not responded for over a week, prompting him to visit his friend's home in person.

'No matter how busy he is, he always kept in touch.'

Someone who goes silent for over a week signifies there might be a safety concern. William knocked on his friend's door. With no response after waiting for a while, he pulled out a concealed device from his pocket. This device was a hacking tool that he had secretly acquired with his authority as the team leader from equipment confiscated from criminals by the security team.

After connecting the device and manipulating it, there was a clicking sound from the door. William unlocked the door and entered.

William's friend, being a former soldier, had kept everything neat and tidy. However, the corners of the house had a musty smell, probably because the place hadn't been ventilated for a while.

Upon closer inspection, it seemed like no one had been walking around for a considerable amount of time. The only sounds breaking the silence in the house were the virtual TV noise from the next-door neighbor and William's footsteps.

His attention was drawn to a coffee cup left on the table.

'Some leftover coffee.'

The cup had marks from dried, evaporated coffee. It was evidence that it had been sitting there untouched in the dry room for an extended period.

'Something must have happened.'

With this conviction, William began his search. He thoroughly inspected every place where his friend could have hidden weapons and equipment, such as inside closets, under the bed, and so on.

The result: he confirmed that some weapons and equipment were missing.

'Armed and gone, either missing or deceased.'

He had already checked all reports of violence in the Harbor Zone before coming here. None of them involved firearms higher than laser rifles.

In other words, his friend had been eliminated discreetly.

'That man in his pajamas, part of the organization.'

According to recent reports, the individual who met Broker S was replaced by someone else. It was clear they were trying to avoid police surveillance and make efforts to escape the situation.

William contacted his team through the communication device and then sat down, opening the laptop he had brought with him.

"It's me. After sending the surveillance team, how did things turn out?"

The police had diligently tracked Broker S and the mysterious man, but they failed to capture them on camera. The man was exceptionally elusive, as William's team member had mentioned during the meeting. As a result, the surveillance team could only provide a composite image based on the police officers' recollection. This meant the surveillance team had to painstakingly compare these faces with those recorded by city cameras.

[The newly appeared individual is still under analysis.]

"What about the guy in pajamas from the initial encounter?"

[That case is already completed. We've compared faces from citywide cameras with those appearing in the vicinity of the Special Trade Hub. We've identified 20 similar individuals. Their profiles are being sent to you.]

A message soon arrived on William's laptop, indicating the file's arrival. While examining the 20 profiles, he furrowed his brows.

"Commercial Zone laborer? This guy doesn't have any priors?"

[No criminal record to speak of.]

"He looks exactly like that guy. What about his workplace?"

[We tried contacting them, but he hasn't shown up for quite some time. Since he's a casual laborer, it seems they don't pay much attention to his absence.]

William wanted to press for more information, but he held back. In the T&C Special Trade Hub, the low-capital workers were practically treated as parts rather than humans. With the constant influx of people into the city, employees were not closely monitored.

He also knew that it wouldn't change anything. This diseased city wouldn't change, no matter how much he questioned.

'It's a sick and decaying city.'

Not everyone in MegaCorp approved of the oppressive system. There were those who had had enough of the society infiltrated by inhumane principles, and they sought refuge in StarUnions or Space Dogs.

William, being a military veteran, wasn't fond of the fact that more people died in the Entertainment Zone than on the battlefield. However, he firmly believed that his duty was to serve MegaCorp by apprehending criminals who harmed society.

He shook his head, dispelling these pointless thoughts.

Over the communication device, he gave instructions to his subordinates waiting for a response.

"For now, send a team to the man's workplace for further investigation. Re-investigate the other 19 individuals: their workplaces, residences, and relationships."

[Yes sir!]

"Since I'm in the residential zone, I'll check it out myself."

[Yes? Wasn't today your day off…]

"We don't get any days off in our line of work. Anyway, good job."

William ended the call and closed his laptop. Before leaving the house, he quietly bowed his head in the direction of his friend, who was most likely already deceased.

'Your vengeance, I'll take care of it.'

According to the records, the man in pajamas resided in an apartment near this location. Just like his friend's place, the apartments in the residential zone were far from luxurious. They were built with cheap materials to reduce costs, which led to various issues. Among these problems, soundproofing was the worst.

'It's so quiet.'

Even considering it was daytime, this level of silence was a clear sign that something was amiss. It was as if no one lived on the entire third floor.

"…"

Tense, William drew his laser pistol. He took a deep breath and then knocked on the door of his destination.

There was no response. He knocked a few more times, but there was no sound from within.

'Out for a walk?'

Normally, he should have waited for a search warrant, but William didn't. Waiting for a warrant and then having the guy escape would only complicate things.

Determined, he pulled out his hacking device again. With a quick crack, he opened the door. Upon entering, he sensed a familiar smell.

'The smell of blood!'

As a veteran and a detective, William had no trouble recognizing the sickening and repulsive smell. Unlike the smell, there was nothing unusual in the house. It was not as tidy as his friend's place, but it was reasonably well-organized.

However, William felt as though this neatly arranged home was a model, artificially constructed by a murderer to hide evidence.

'Is there nothing here?'

The smell persisted, but there was no concrete evidence to be found. William considered getting a search warrant and returning, but then he thought about the possibility of the suspect escaping.

With resolve, he pulled out his hacking equipment again. He opened the door quickly, and as he did, William caught a whiff of the familiar scent.

'Nobody here!'

In its place, dried bloodstains were the only things that stood out.

William hastily left the house.

"It's me! I found the person collaborating with Broker S! The location is…"

His urgent communication finally spurred the Harbor District Security Team into action.

***

***

['Pre-saint > Quasi-saint' evolution conditions partly have been met].

[Conditions: Transformable species 2/20 (Incomplete), Humanoid species 12/20 (Incomplete), Psychic Power-Using species 0/20 (Incomplete)]

[Predation effect activated! Successfully obtained 'Predator's Claw' genetic essence.]

[Extracted the 'Predator's Claw' from the biological characteristics of 'wolf.']

[Would you like to apply 'Predator's Claw'?]

'Oh?'

Except for when I met Sander, I had been feasting on the residents living in the apartment.

I had just finished a meal in the last apartment on the third floor, and for the first time in a while, the predation effect appeared.

At this point, acquiring a trait felt like a celebration, as if a text box had sent me a cake.

'Predator's Claw.'

As the name suggests, it strengthens the claws to be helpful in close combat. There aren't any special additional effects, but traits of this kind usually don't receive negative evaluations.

'It's fortunate, considering the lack of physical-related traits.'

'Currently, I have a total of 10 physical-related traits, as the Contamination organ became a material for the Parasitic Colony, but I need 13 to utilize the Transcendence System. So, I just need 2 more from now on.'

'I accept.'

Upon accepting, my combat arm transformed with a noisy collision of bones.

The fingernails, like razor blades, attached to the four fingers became thicker and longer, now resembling a giant hand axe. However, their sharpness hadn't diminished, and they seemed capable of slicing through a person's body like cutting fruit.

As I completed the mutation, a text box appeared before me as if to report something.

[Race: Unidentified Aggressive Space Morph

Status: Pre-saint

Objective: Survive (2nd Evolution Successful)

Possessed Traits – Physical-Related (Applied Type): Wings, Chitinous Exoskeleton, Regeneration (Fusion), Neurotoxin Glands (Fusion), Reinforced Exoskeleton, Acidic Blood, Enhanced Reflexes, Mimicry, Serrated Tentacles, Contamination Organ, Spine Projectile Organ, Predator's Claw.

– Psychic-Related: Predator Sense (fusion), Human Nature, Monster's Tentacles, and Clairvoyance, Psychic Resistance.

– Infection-Related: Parasitic Colony (Fusion).

Type: Physical Enhancement Type]

'Good.'

Evolution was progressing smoothly. The evolution conditions were slow but steadily filling up.

'Lloyd, Lloyd's boyfriend, 9 bodyguards, excluding the leader and Kate, and including the three humans I've eaten from the 3rd floor in the last few days, that makes a total of 12.'

The man from the neighboring apartment and the head of the security guards were killed by me, but they didn't count towards the evolution conditions because I shared their corpses with Number 26. So, the humanoid race was counted as a total of 12.

'Wolfs, I've eaten two, including today's.'

There are many playable intelligent species that can transform besides Volfs, but I'm not sure if you can find them in this cosmic city. Since Volfs are the most common, they will probably fulfill the evolution conditions when I eat all of mine.

'Once I eat all of my Wolfs, I'll fill more than half, and dealing with humans will be enough to complete the conditions.'

Once other conditions are completed, I'll need to prepare to eat the Cult next. As both the acquisition of psychic powers and the evolution conditions are intertwined, hunting the Cult is currently the most important element for me.

'Still, it's fortunate that I have psychic-related traits, like the monster's tentacles.'

According to the setting, the Cult believes that their kind has been chosen by a higher will to freely wield psychic powers. So, species that can't use psychic powers are considered as mere monkeys by these arrogant folks.

Of course, it's not entirely unjustified given that psychic powers are incredibly potent abilities, especially in a fight against someone other than me.

'When I fight them, it's best if they remain complacent.'

Their arrogance is an advantage for me. They underestimate the threat, even when I attack them.

'Hunting the Cult isn't an issue, but the location is problematic.'

The Cult is most densely concentrated in the Administrative Zone, but launching an assault there without proper preparation is not easy. While secret passages are connected, there are many cameras around manholes, making it impossible to move stealthily as if traveling to another zone.

'I should target other places before tackling the Administrative Zone, as it's too burdensome to assault them before they become even stronger.'

The attack on the administrative district will probably take place after acquiring the psychic enhancement type. Until then, the commercial district is the place I consider an alternative.

Cults don't like the entertainment offered by MegaCorp, but they go to the commercial district frequently because they go crazy for artifacts and valuable equipment. Especially with the recent influx of cults due to the council, fulfilling the evolution conditions there shouldn't be a problem.

'Even if the surveillance is strict, it's still much better than the entertainment and administrative districts.'

Of course, the likelihood of getting caught will increase, but there's no other choice.

'Once the residential district is cleaned up, I'll nest in the secret passages before the contamination devices disappear.'

The spores I planted in the secret passages have grown significantly. Additionally, if I install nests in the area near the port district and the residential district where I frequently visit, I should be able to monitor the movements of the enemies without any problems.

I'm planning out what to do next, but my auxiliary sensors have picked up a faint footstep sound.

'Huh?'

The third floor was completely empty, so there shouldn't be any footsteps.

As I left Wolf's apartment, I saw a man disappearing down the corridor on the other side. Instead of immediately chasing after him, I focused my auxiliary sensors on him.

"The location is Apartment C3 in Block C! This perpetrator is related to Broker S, and he's a heinous criminal who also killed armed security guards, so hurry and provide support…."

Thanks to my super-senses, I could faintly hear what he was shouting into his communication device.

'Is that a police officer?'

From what he was saying, it seemed like he was a police officer who had been tracking Sander. I'm not sure how he found out, but he also knew that I had killed the security guards.

'I got caught earlier than expected.'

I was planning to fulfill the humanoid species condition here, but it seems like it'll be difficult now.

'What do I do?'

I had two options, Escape or confront them.

'No, escaping now would be difficult.'

Since he had already requested backup, leaving the apartment would not be easy.

Even if I managed to get out, if I were caught in the secret passage during the escape, it would be an even bigger loss. The secret passage is my last line of defense, so I must avoid being caught there at all costs.

So, there's only one way forward.

'Fight them.'

I need to take down the people who entered this place and seize the opportunity to escape. They are overwhelmingly superior in numbers, firepower, and all aspects, but being strong doesn't guarantee victory.

Seeing the people I cruelly murdered might make them hesitate, and when the enemies are in confusion, that will be my only chance to escape.

I woke up Number 26 and Adhai who were taking a nap.

｢Big Baby, what's going on?｣

｢I'm｣, ｢tired｣.

[ZZ ZZZZZ ZZZ (Enemy is coming).]

They might think they've already captured me, but there's one thing they don't know: Amorph is a hunter. Chasing and hunting are what Amorph excels at.

'Ambush.'

How the apartments that provide comfort and shelter to the residents transform under Amoph's influence. What happens when humans enter Amoph's territory without knowing. They'll find out soon.

-x-X-x-

'The enemies still have some time to arrive. Before that, let's think about how to prepare the meal.'

Currently, I'm in Apartment C3 in Block C. The structure here is a corridor-style apartment, with a corridor on each floor, and each floor has six apartments, allowing for a total of six households.

The apartment structure goes up to a total of six floors, excluding the basement, where facilities like generators and shared laundry are located. There are no elevators, and movement is possible only through the stairs at both ends of the corridor.

'They'll probably check the structure over there as well.'

Even if they don't, it shouldn't be a big issue since they have an Android that can input apartment data.

'But Androids have their weaknesses.'

Androids are very smart but lack autonomous thinking since they operate based on predetermined programs. For example, if you tell an Android to guard a building, it will easily eliminate anyone trying to approach or attack from a distance. However, they can't properly handle unconventional attacks like planting a bomb underground or bombing from the sky.

In fact, when I melted the cooling system of the pirate ship with acidic blood, the Android didn't recognize it as an attack.

Human intervention can compensate for the Android's lack of thinking ability. The enemies are likely to deploy a mix of Androids and enhanced police officers wearing combat suits.

'In the game, MegaCorp players were evaluated based on their ability to balance Hulk Mutants, humans, and Androids.'

MegaCorp is considered a powerful species in the game due to its flexible playstyle. Players could either modify their own genes to play like the cultists or use the 'Hire' ability to command a large number of troops like the Outspacers.

'This place isn't a space fortress, so there won't be Hulk Mutants. It will probably be a combination of humans and Androids.'

The problem is the level of their armament. I recently confirmed that the Androids are armed with gauss rifles. Assuming the police have similar weapons, they are likely to be equipped with combat suits along with gauss rifles.

'Since this city is wealthy, they'll probably come wearing intermediate or higher-level combat suits.'

If I were on Earth or Mars, I would have to fight elite soldiers equipped with plasma weapons and advanced combat suits. However, this place doesn't have weapons that advanced.

'Still, it won't be easy.'

Laser weapons can't harm me, but gauss rifles are a different story. I can defend against the main ammunition of gauss rifles, tungsten rounds, thanks to the Flesh Reinforcement Type.

However, the real advantage of gauss rifles lies in their ability to switch ammunition to suit various threats. If they use specialized rounds designed to enhance penetration, my outer shell won't stand a chance.

'I need to finish this quickly before the enemies realize.'

I calculated where in the apartment to target the enemies using my auxiliary systems when I noticed 26 and Adhai entering my sight.

'Come to think of it, these guys are also predators.'

Both Sea Demons and Gallagons belong to the category of high-risk NPCs. One is treated as a sub-boss, and the other has a nickname – Dragon.

Both of them are still young, but it shouldn't be too challenging for them to hunt the police.

'Number 26 has recently matured, so using psychic powers shouldn't be too difficult. Adhai is a Gallagon, so as long as it doesn't get attacked, there shouldn't be any major issues.'

If they can accurately target vital spots, even with modest psychic abilities, they can easily kill their enemies. I just need to instruct them on where to aim.

[ZZ ZZZZ ZZZ Z (Come here, guys)]

I gathered them around.

***

Night had fallen in the space city just like any other time. As the black curtain adorned with starlight descended over the entire city, the residential zone was an exception as it lay outside the curtain's reach.

Unlike usual, the residential zone was illuminated as if it were an entertainment district created by humans. There was a profusion of lights on armored trucks, headlights mounted on the reinforced suits worn by the police, and a multitude of colorful lights emanating from various electronic devices that banished the darkness.

But the commotion wasn't just about the lights. Sounds more fitting for an entertainment district than a residential zone filled the apartment complex: the police radios, the heavy footsteps of armed androids, and the sirens of police cars.

"Hey, William! Are you out of your mind?"

The head of the harbor district security team yelled at William. William, who had been silently inspecting his own reinforced suit, looked at him with an indifferent gaze.

"What's the matter?"

"Why in the world did you call the armed police just to catch one run-of-the-mill troublemaker working with a Broker? Don't you realize this will escalate the situation?"

William knew well that the head of the harbor district security team was as greedy as his round belly. He was also aware that a considerable sum of credits had been squandered by Broker S among the bulging layers of fat.

"Moreover, you searched the material storage team, which has nothing to do with this! This is a clear abuse of power!"

William, who had left the apartment during the day, immediately relayed the information he had collected about Broker S to higher authorities, not the harbor district security team, but further up to the Earth General Security Team.

As a result, due to the sudden arrival of the police, the material storage team was in complete chaos. Broker S, or rather, Sander, was urgently arrested, and those connected to him were one by one locked up in custody.

The material storage team's Sander displayed unusual symptoms following his arrest, seemingly shocked by the fact he was being apprehended. Currently, he is in a state of unconsciousness.

Having completed the inspection of his reinforced suit, William checked the special ammunition for the gauss rifle and asked, "How did you know about that?"

"What?"

"None of us on the team reported the fact that the material storage team was searched to the harbor district security team. How did you know about it?"

"That, that's…"

"And there's a misconception on your part, Team Leader. The one who's allied with S, or rather Sander, is not just a run-of-the-mill troublemaker."

"What?"

"That person killed the military-trained bodyguards escorting Sander."

"What did you say? I didn't hear anything like that!"

"Naturally, you didn't hear it. I reported it directly to the Earth General Security Team earlier. They took the matter seriously, so they responded to my request for support."

"What?! Do you realize what you've done? This is a disaster!"

"A disaster?"

At that, William grabbed the former superior by the collar. He bared his teeth like a wolf and growled, "Did you think no one on the top knew that you had conspired with the Broker? You're done now."

"Eeek!"

William didn't want to continue the conversation with his former superior, who had turned pale. Leaving him to his fate, William approached the armed police officers who were in the middle of their briefing.

The team entering the apartment consisted of 12 armed police officers and 6 combat androids. Each police officer had a number from 101 to 112 written on their chest, and the androids had the letter M followed by a number engraved on their heads.

Among the androids, M01, with the number 01, welcomed William.

"I'm William, head of the Harbor District Security Team. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, Head of the Harbor District Security Team William. I am Android M01, affiliated with the Earth General Security Team. I may be an android, but I am currently leading the operation, so you must follow my orders."

"Understood."

After a brief introduction, M01 explained the operation to the armed police officers.

The objective was to apprehend the organization members who were involved in dealings with Sander and to collect evidence. Everyone, including the police and androids, knew what the organization members looked like. Pictures and profiles of these individuals were shared before Sander had any dealings with them.

Furthermore, information about the surviving residents in Apartment 3 had already been shared. As William was preparing to enter with the other police officers, M01 called him.

"It seems you aren't aware, Head of the Harbor District Security Team."

"What do you mean?"

"The higher-ups have provided the new reinforced suits to the armed police officers. They've been upgraded in all aspects, with enhanced internal healing and enhancement effects."

"That's good news."

"In addition, these suits come with a small psychic shield device. Please press the violet button on your forearm."

When William pressed the button on the terminal, a translucent oval shield popped out from his left arm.

"It's a psychic enhancement device created in collaboration with the Garmelda family. They sent it a few days ago to congratulate this council."

"I appreciate it."

With that, the conversation ended. Now, all that was left was to proceed.

'I hope this goes well.'

The adversaries couldn't possibly anticipate that the police were equipped with new gear.

Furthermore, the armed police officers from the Earth General Security Team were battle-hardened soldiers. To top it off, combat androids were providing support. It was a game they couldn't lose, even if they wanted to.

"We'll proceed. Activate the masks."

With that command, all the police officers put on the masks attached to their reinforced suits.

"We'll start the search from the first-floor corridor. Just in case, we'll leave three personnel on each floor."

As they were about to start searching the second floor, a noise came through the communication device.

[Chi, chijik, here… over here… ugh! Chijik!]

"M06?"

"What's going on?"

"One android lost contact."

"Which location?"

"Apartment 105 on the first floor. M04, who is on standby on the first floor, please check immediately."

[111, I'll check.]

M01 gave calm instructions without panic. Shortly after, a transmission came from M04.

[M04 reporting. M06's power unit is destroyed.]

"Do we have information on the attack method?"

[M04. It was destroyed by strong physical force. Detailed analysis is required.]

William felt something was off with this information. Clearly, the first floor had been thoroughly searched, including him, 13 people, and six robots. There shouldn't have been any hidden spaces for the enemies to sneak into unnoticed.

"Please report any unusual findings. We'll continue the search."

[111, understood.]

[M04, confirmed.]

As they were about to resume the search, the officer designated as 101 suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"101?"

"…".

He stood frozen in place as if his body had been forcibly immobilized. Then, his head began to turn slowly.

Observing this familiar sight, William shouted, "Crazy! Psychic pow…"

Before he could finish, the officer's neck made a snapping sound as it turned 360 degrees. The police officer, with a completely broken neck, collapsed to the floor like a broken doll.

"It's an attack!"

"All armed police, activate the psychic shields. Androids, be on guard…"

"Aaaaargh!"

At that moment, a scream came from behind.

William quickly turned his head and saw the foot of the police officer designated as 112 hanging in the air. Some unknown force was coming down the exterior wall of the apartment, dragging the police officer with it.

"Open fire!"

Seeing this, the police officers and androids began to open fire fiercely. However, the assailant didn't pay them any mind and continued to drag the police officer away.

William and the armed police officers pressed against the corridor wall and looked up, but all they saw was the pitch-black void.

"The abducted person is Officer 112!"

"We'll check. 112, please respond."

[Chijik, aaargh, chijijik, ah, chijijijijijik.]

Amidst the noise, a pained scream mixed in with the sounds, and William clenched his teeth in frustration. M01 mechanically repeated the same words without displaying any emotion.

"112, if you are alive please respond."

[Chijijijijik.]

"One final check.112, if you are alive, please respond."

[Chijik, I'm on the 4th floor. That guy took me.]

"4th floor, confirmed."

With 112's response finally coming through with great difficulty, a collective sigh of relief passed through the police officers. Everyone empathized with the fact that 112's life hung by a thread, but being alive was better than the alternative.

"We'll split into two teams. 102 to 105, along with the chief and me, M02, will search the 2nd floor. The rest will continue searching the 4th floor."

Within less than 30 minutes of entering the building, one police officer and one android had fallen victim, and another officer's life was in jeopardy. Despite the challenging situation, thanks to M01's command without a hint of hesitation, the atmosphere did not worsen.

However, unlike the other police officers, William found it difficult to shake off an inexplicable sense of unease. Could it be that it was a mistake to bring only the police here? Such thoughts began to creep into his mind.

It wasn't because he was a coward; it was something else. When 112 was taken, he had seen it clearly.

The one holding the officer had four arms.

-x-X-x-